What’s New in the World of Provincial Rebates?

What’s New in the World of Provincial Rebates?

A lot apparently.

In a seemingly quiet launch, Energy Efficiency Alberta rolled out a number of new and increased rebates for Albertans a few weeks ago, in addition to some municipalities, including Edmonton, launching their own rebate programs. With very little press surrounding these new rebates, we dug around as much as possible to put everything in plain English for you.

What Rebates Are Available?

There are three main categories of rebates available through Energy Efficiency Alberta, including Home Improvement Rebates, Online Rebates, and Solar Rebates. Most relative to our line of work are the Home Improvement rebates available for tankless water heaters, and the Online Rebates available for Thermostats – but more on those later.

These three categories are all relatively easy to navigate, with the Energy Efficiency Alberta website breaking each category down pretty clearly.

The newest category on the list is the Home Energy Plan.

There are three main categories of rebates available through Energy Efficiency Alberta, including Home Improvement RebatesOnline Rebates, and Solar Rebates. Most relative to our line of work are the Home Improvement rebates available for tankless water heaters, and the Online Rebates available for Thermostats – but more on those later.

These three categories are all relatively easy to navigate, with the Energy Efficiency Alberta website breaking each category down pretty clearly.

The newest category on the list is the Home Energy Plan.

What is the Home Energy Plan?

A Home Energy Plan is a plan for increasing the energy efficiency of your whole home.

Step 1

It starts with getting an EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation from a licensed Energy Adviser. This energy evaluation will be performed by a licensed third-party company that will assess your entire home, top to bottom, looking for energy leaks in your home. About 2 weeks later, they will send you a comprehensive report pointing out all of the ways you can upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and what rebates you’ll qualify for.

The cost of the assessment will vary depending on which company you choose, averaging approximately $450. You won’t have to pay full price though, as the program will apply an instant rebate of $300 from the province, leaving you with a bill of about $170 with GST. But wait… there’s more! If you pay taxes to the City of Edmonton, you’ll get an additional $100 instant rebate taken off of your bill. Something important to note: you will be paying GST on the original cost of the assessment, prior to any applied rebates.

Once your assessment has been completed, you should receive a copy of your report detailing your suggested upgrades in about 2-3 weeks.

Step 2

Take a look at your report and decide what you want to upgrade. You can use one or more licensed contractors for your renovations, or you can opt to do-it-yourself (not applicable to all upgrades).

Here’s a list of the most common upgrades that are eligible for rebates in this program:

  • Tankless Water Heaters: Up to $1084 + 20% for City of Edmonton residents
  • Attic Insulation: $640 + 20% for City of Edmonton residents
  • Main Walls Insulation: $500 + 20% for City of Edmonton residents
  • Basement Insulation: $520 + 20% for City of Edmonton residents
  • Furnace Upgrades: $500 + $100 for City of Edmonton residents
  • Drain Water Heat Recover: $382 + 20% for City of Edmonton residents
  • Windows: $80 + 20% for City of Edmonton residents
  • Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV: $350)

Complete three or more eligible upgrades, and you could receive a $1,000 bonus rebate. You must complete all qualifying renovations within 18 months of your home energy evaluation, and 3 must achieve a minimum of 3GJ of energy savings each to receive the bonus rebate.

Step 3

Some upgrades, such as air sealing, may require a post-upgrade Home Energy Evaluation to determine the rebate value you qualify for. Residents in the City of Edmonton will have the cost of the follow-up evaluation covered by municipal rebates.

Acclaimed!’s Part in Your Home Energy Plan:

Acclaimed! is a participating contractor with the Energy Efficiency Alberta program, and we’re here to help!

We carry many of the smart thermostats available for $75 online rebates, and if you’re looking to get a new furnace, heat recovery ventilator (HRV), or tankless water heater installed, we can provide you with a free in-home estimate.

We’d love to help you rack up those energy efficiency rebates!

As always, we’ll try to update this information as it comes along. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call!